Encyclopedia of Jazz Musicians

James, Duncan

James, Duncan, jazz guitarist; b. Springfield, OH, March 1945.

James has been working professionally since 1960. His parents were both music teachers with degrees from Westminster Choir College. His older brother is a bassoonist with the Cincinnatti Symphony. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Composition from Ohio State University in 1963. After graduation he worked local venues in and around Columbus, Ohio and in 1971 he moved to San Francisco, where he has been working as a performing musician and sometime teacher ever since. He has worked with George Barnes, Bruce Forman, Chet Baker and Jimmy Witherspoon, as well as backup for various travelling singers and performers. Also worked in the road show version of Godspell.

Recordings (partial):
George Barnes Quintet: Blues Going Up; Plays So Good; Dont' Get Around Much Anymore; He has also recorded with Madeline Eastman, solo and with Jim Rothermel Neo-Classic Swing. All of these cd's are available at www.jimrothermel.com.